Join us for a program update:
We welcome you to join us on June 16, 2026 as we meet with our Board of Directors and propose some exciting updates to the state-mandated “daylighting” program.
The Safety Zone Program, this new chapter, would enhance existing daylighted spaces with:
- Stronger safety tools and bike parking at priority locations
- Opportunities for community-led improvements like murals and planters
We hope to make daylighted spaces work harder for their neighborhoods, and welcome your feedback! We will update this page after we hear from the Board and community members.
What is "daylighting"?
Daylighting keeps the area next to crosswalks clear of parked vehicles. In practice, this means painting curbs red to signal that parking is not allowed. This makes it easier for people driving to see everyone else at an intersection.
A proven and low-cost safety tool, daylighting is a requirement in more than 40 states.
Why is daylighting happening in San Francisco?
California signed a daylighting law (AB 413) in October 2023. It took effect in January 2025.
Starting January 1, 2025, it is illegal in California to park within 20 feet of the approach of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, even if the approach does not have any red curbs painted.
To meet this state law and improve street safety, the SFMTA has been daylighting intersections across the city.
How is the SFMTA implementing daylighting?
The SFMTA has been daylighting intersections for many years, even before the current state law. We took this step in cases where our data showed a critical need to improve visibility. This included locations on the 2022 High Injury Network.
Citywide daylighting for the new state law started in 2025, focusing on high-priority locations. These included:
- Continuing along the 2022 High-Injury Network
- School zones
As of May 2026, we have completed daylighting at 65% of citywide intersections, including:
- The 2022 High-Injury Network
- Blocks within 600 feet of schools
- All locations within District 5
Now, our teams are focused on:
- Corridors on the latest High Injury Network (2024 map)
- Areas near parks, libraries, senior and community centers
Our work daylighting intersections is one of several steps the SFMTA is taking to support Mayor Lurie’s Street Safety Initiative.
Background on California’s Daylighting Law (AB413)
Daylighting has existed around the country for decades. California was one of the only states with no mandated daylighting at intersections.
In 2023, California formally adopted a statewide daylighting law, AB 413. It replicates the law in other states that require people not to park right next to any crosswalk. Specifically, the law:
- Creates a new section of the Vehicle Code, CVC 22500(n), which prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension anywhere in California.
- Requires that on a two-way street, only the space on the right-side approaching a crosswalk as one is driving is affected. However, on a one-way street, both the left and the right curb areas 20 feet from the crosswalk are no parking zones.
- Allows local jurisdictions to paint zones that are longer or shorter than 20 feet. When you see a red curb or parking prohibition sign next to a crosswalk, just follow that distance. If there is no paint or signs, the 20 feet distance applies. 20 feet is about the length of a standard parking space or one large car-length.
You can learn more about the historical context of California’s daylighting law in our 2024 blog announcing the start of daylighting warnings.
If you have questions about daylighting, feel free to reach out to our team.